Writing academic reports

This lists key information as specified in your module guidance. Assessments are submitted anonymously, so don't include your name unless you're explicitly told to.

This section takes its name from professional practice. It exists for senior business executives who need the key findings but don't have time to read the report in full.

The executive summary is not an introduction. It tells the reader what the report found, not what it will do. It should mention all stages of the report — what was investigated, how, what was found, and what is recommended.

Write it last, once the report is complete. Although it appears before the contents page and introduction, it should be the final thing you write. Aim for 100–250 words. A good approach is to write one or two sentences on each section.

This lists all sections and subsections with page numbers. Not all report assignments require a table of contents.

This section describes the purpose of the report, explains why it's necessary or useful, and sets out its aims and objectives. You may also define key terms here. Don't include results or recommendations in the introduction.

The main body has no single heading. It is divided into the sections you choose or that your assignment specifies.

This is where the analytical work happens. You analyse evidence and apply theory to help you understand that evidence. From this, you build your answer to the assignment question.

Some assignments specify how to divide the main body into sections. Others leave that decision to you. Each section should cover one theme or topic. Aim for 8–10 lines per section. If a section runs longer, consider dividing it.

Use headings that are self-explanatory. A reader who only sees the contents page should understand what each section covers. 'Gaps in the current marketing strategy' is clearer than 'Marketing strategy'. Check with your module leader before using subheadings; not all assignments require them.

Your assignment brief is the best guide to what your sections should cover. If the task doesn't indicate themes directly, your sources will. The marking criteria can also provide further guidance.

This section summarises the key findings of the report. The conclusion revisits the aims and objectives set out in the introduction. Don’t include any new information here.

These are specific, realistic suggestions for future action, based directly on your findings and conclusion. List them in order of importance.

Recommendations should follow directly from your findings. In some report assignments, findings and conclusions are presented as a single section. In others, particularly those involving primary research, they are distinct. Check your module guidance to confirm what's required.

Before finalising recommendations, apply two tests:

• Is your recommendation realistically achievable?
• Is it already happening?

Be as specific as possible. Compare these two examples:

Vague

The organisation should invest in staff training.

Specific

A minimum of two days of funded training per year should be allocated to frontline staff in customer-facing roles, with priority given to communication and conflict resolution skills.

A full list of all sources cited in the report, formatted according to your required referencing style.

This section is optional. Include an appendix if you have supporting material that interrupts the flow of the main text — for example, raw data or survey materials. Number each appendix and refer to it in the main text. For example, 'see Appendix 1' or just '(Appendix 1)'.